Breaking a silence now that has lasted since March 2020 when my last post was controversial to say the least, laced with ill-feeling, venom and indignation. In short, my head was so not in the right place.
I sincerely hope that no-one holds that last post against me - I was well out of it at the time. I still feel a little tentative about posting now after my last outing.
I have battled and survived a life-threatening illness, long-term isolation and a compromised state of mental health brought about by seemingly endless lockdowns, family bereavements, and in particular a family suicide. I've had a bucketful.
Not looking for sympathy, just trying to come to terms with everything that has happened. In all of that time, I have frequently visited the board to keep abreast with people's views regarding our much loved football team.
We have enjoyed some incredible highs - promotion as Champions to the Premier League, and a first season back which exceeded all expectations, followed by our terrible run of form and glut of injuries this season.
When times are tough it's far too easy to get sucked into knee-jerk reactions and negative comments through sheer frustration. I know that only too well and I know how fragile life can be. I should never have seen promotion but I'm still around and count my blessings every single day.
I suppose what I'm trying to say is that we're all human beings with a whole range of different emotions and failings, depending on what we're confronted with. This applies to life as well as football - we care passionately about out team and hurt when things don't work out as we hoped. When things are not going well, that's when those lads wearing the shirt need our support the most, and the reaction of the crowd when 4-1 down against Arsenal spoke volumes about the love our fans have for the club and everyone connected with it. Long may that continue - it's needed now more than ever.
In closing, in the spirit of festive goodwill, I just want to humbly and sincerely wish everyone who posts on the board from all clubs in all divisions, a peaceful and merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Let's hope that LUFC can enjoy better fortunes in 2022.
MOT
A Note To Everyone
posted on 21/12/21
We're all human mate and non of us are perfect.
We are also a family of LUFC nuts of which you are one.
MOT and Merry Christmas to you.
posted on 21/12/21
Life can be very cruel and frankly utterly bizarre at times in terms of the challenges it presents. "These things are sent to try us," as my old Dad used to say. "We've just got to keep going ... until we can't!"
Sounds like you've had a tough time of it, and for sure, it's tricky living in a global pandemic. Glad you're now feeling able to post again, Elland.
What's the point of rating an article with stars, anyway? Never do it myself - just seems very childish to me.
posted on 21/12/21
Welcome back Elland White. Don't remember your previous posts, but that was a very emotional and articulate message you just wrote. It can't have been easy.
I hope the worst of your troubles are behind you and wish you and your family a happy and peaceful Christmas break for all Leicester fans.
(and I hope Leeds can pick up a few point over the festive period as well and banish any relegation fears... Leeds fans really don't deserve another spell in the Championship doldrums).
Keep smiling.
posted on 21/12/21
im glad you're back elland and hope the responses of your fellow Leeds fans gives you some hope and positivity for the coming year.
I'm not very articulate like many on here but I just want to say I hope you can get your head in a good place.
Stoopo your wife sounds like a great person. Wise words.
posted on 21/12/21
I’m quite taken aback by the grief you have endured, Elland. It’s easy for me to say, but try to be strong.
posted on 21/12/21
elland takes a real man to write this, stunned by what you have had to endure, life is a cn ut at times, for some more than others. dig deep fella try stay strong, the leeds utd family will always be here for you
posted on 21/12/21
Welcome back Elland. In life there are more good folk than bad folk and it's the same on here so hope to see you posting again soon.
Merry Xmas to you and yours. X
posted on 21/12/21
Welcome back, Elland. It took some courage to write your article.
I can’t even remember what you wrote last time you posted, and I doubt many will!
Wishing Elland and all Leeds’ fans a merry Christmas and a happy new year (especially footy-wise).
posted on 21/12/21
posted on 22/12/21
Thank you for sharing your incredibly tough experiences with us. You must be one tough nut to get through all that life has dished out to you, so don't worry if you go over the top from time to time, There is a lot of compassion on this board, as I hope you can now see. Five stars from me for your honesty and decency. It's great that you have decided to return, and a timely reminder to all of us that we do not know what is going on in the lives of our posters, and to exercise respect for each other.